The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1887-12-20

was man of clear judgement. great breadth Of
thought and powerful advocate, gaining for
himself wide reputation, and a large practice.
he represented his county in both the House
and Senate of the State Legislature He
was vice president and attorney of the CHICAGO
q Great Eastern railway. now the Chicago ST
Louis 8 Pittsburg, in its early history and sub
sequently vice-president and general counsel of
the Chicago. Danville & Vincennes now the
Sheago d Eastern Illinois railway. He was a
delegate to the convention that nominated
Abraham Lincoln, and presidential elector in
1901. At the breaking out of the rebellion he
closed his Office. having been appointed enrolling
oIncer oy the Governor. His zeal and earnest
ness IN the recruiting service were rewarded
with such gratifying success, that on the 18th
Oh november, 1867. he was appointed by Presi-
GENT Lincoln, a paymaSter in the United States
army with the rank of major, and assigned TO
the army of the Cumberland, with Headquarters
at louisville. KY: In 1864 he was transferred
slppi thence to Huntsville Ala, then to the de-
partment of Indiana, where he paid off the
hundred-day troops of Ohio, Indiana and Hi
nolS, IN January 1865. During his service as
paymaster, there passed through Major Grifins
hands. the enormous sum of three and one half
mlinons or the money of the government every
penny OF winch was satisfactorily accounted for,
demonstrating his integrity as an officer as
well as his efficiency as an accountant By
reason of failing health and injuries received in
the service of the government, Major Griffin re-
signed his commission in the armv and re-
sumed the practice of law at Crown Point. until
ne was stricken with paralysis in 1866. by reason
VI Injuries received IN the war. seriously inn
pairing his power of speech and booming him
to walk on crutches to the end of his life and
finally resulting in his death, yet strange to saw
through all these years of suffering and affiic.
ton, his mind retained all its strength and
yigor, and after three years of confinement to
the house, though shorn of his great advantage
as an advocate, he resumed the practice of law.
and soon regained his position among the
ablest legal advisers of northern Indiana
He was for several years in partnership with
the Hon. j. w. Youche, ex-State Senator and
subsequently entered into law partnership
with his son. Charles F., who inherited his
fathers powers of advocacy. and was his almost
constant companion and attendant till his death.
His first wife died January 81, 1882, and Janu-
airy 3, 1884, he married Miss Anna WRIGHT. of
Chicago, who now survives him. Major Griffin
was man of fine physique and commanding
presence. and great personal magnetism. Be-
fore paralysis had weakened his voice and af-
fected his speech. he was fluent and eloquent
speaker, possessing, in remarkable degree
the power to sway audience or Jury Pos
sessed of an iron will and undoubted physical
and moral courage. and wonderful tenacity of
purpose. he generally accomplished whatever he
set about to do. He was public spirited and
notwithstanding his affection. contributed
largely to the prosperity and developement of
the town and county of his adoption. His loss
will be greatly regretted not only in northern
Indiana. but in many portions of the State
where he is widely known, and universally re-
Spected.